Starting as a new children's toy, Barbie has grown to become one of the most iconic figures in popular culture today. Upon initial release, Barbie had been quickly absorbed into teenage society, creating social change in both positive and negative ways. Barbie was created to meet the needs of girls who wanted to fulfill their adult life aspirations with a doll, a function that could not be fulfilled by the 'baby' dolls existing at the time. A catalyst for social change with positive outcomes was needed which would lead to girls being encouraged to aspire to be something other than children's carers. This trend has expanded to become a global phenomenon, as young girls… The trend has become a reality in the Western world, as women are now encouraged to take the next step and become an active member of social institutions such as workplaces. Mattel, the company behind the Barbie venture, developed the doll in the 1950s. A woman named Ruth Handler was the mastermind behind it all (Stone pg 12). Ruth appeared to be the exact opposite of a Barbie doll. Ironically, she looked nothing like her and was even seen as a tomboy in childhood. Ruth said, “I didn't like dolls and never played with them” (Stone pg 11). At some point in almost every little girl's life, she becomes absorbed into the pink world of Barbie, a place that children enter at an early age. “Barbie is a plastic doll, 11.9 inches tall, with the figure of an adult woman.” Since Barbie's creation, the doll has been scrutinized by many for her unrealistic body proportions and superficiality: her endless supply of clothes, shoes, houses and many other accessories. Today, Barbie is a “symbol of consumer capitalism and a global leader… that the wife should have.” Barbie has had many different types of girls as there have been many multicultural dolls ranging from Indian, Asian, African and many more. Mattel, by making these dolls for everyone around the world, shows that all women of different colors and cultures are accepted in this era. Understanding the need for a doll helps researchers understand the nature of Barbie becoming an icon of popular culture around the world. Without widespread access, Barbie would not have influenced the teenage population as she has for the past fifty years. Barbie demands a change to remain attractive. Once a consumer has purchased a Barbie product, the franchise must offer something new to maintain its market share. The franchise will consistently be a fascinating study in change as Barbie always reflects on the social interests and directions of today's times.